IMPORTANT DATES

A complete calendar is available at https://slavens.dpsk12.org/

School Bus Safety: Stop when the lights are RED and the STOP sign is extended!

Bus Safety Reminder

Student safety is always our top priority. It has been brought to our attention that some drivers are not stopping when the school bus is dropping off students. As a reminder, when the bus’s red lights are flashing and the STOP sign is extended, all traffic must come to a complete stop in both directions.

If you are picking up a child and parked across the street, please wait until the STOP sign is extended and the driver signals before having your student cross.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our students safe. Please see the graphic above for more details on bus safety.

Huge Shout out to the Kinder Dad who has been the Crosswalk Crew!

Step Up for Safety: Crosswalk Crew — All caregivers welcome; special invite to fathers & father figures

Morning drop-off is our busiest time, and a visible adult presence makes a huge difference. We’re inviting fathers, father figures, and all caregivers to help students and families cross safely and start the day with a smile.

What it is

A 20–30 minute volunteer shift right before the first bell @ 8:25 (at the crosswalk on S. Dallas Way and E. Cornell Ave.)
Greet students, model safe street-crossing, and remind drivers to slow down and follow the basic traffic laws
We provide a safety vest, quick tips, and a stop sign.

Why a special invite to fathers & father figures?
Students benefit from seeing men model care, calm, and safety at school. Your presence at the curb sets a powerful tone—and it’s for everyone, not just dads. (Grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, neighbors, aunts, grandmothers, and all caregivers are encouraged, too!)

How to help

Pick a morning (once a week or once a month—whatever you can do).
Arrive 10 minutes early for a quick check-in/training.
Wear the vest, be friendly, and help us keep the crosswalk clear.

Sign up: [Sign-Up Link]

Taste of Slavens

What: The Taste of Slavens is a celebration of culture and community through the sharing of food - one taste at a time. Guests can sample food and drinks from several cultures, including German, Korean, Mexican, Egyptian, Irish, and Italian, prepared for you by our very own Slavens families. Students can stamp their passports as they eat and travel their way through the various cultural and international experiences. This celebration welcomes all Slavens students, their friends and families, faculty and staff.

When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Where: Slavens Gym
What to do: Bring food to share OR Attend as a guest
How much: Entry is FREE!

Sign up to bring food on this SignUpGenius.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4EA5AB22A02-59862754-2025

Photos from 2024 can be viewed at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aq14vDbewusWnh5iXP1pN41of1-vaAa3?usp=sharing

Call or text Maricela at (626) 536-1929 with any questions.

Middle school volunteer hours offered.

Would you like to know how to help prevent suicide? Register at this link for a FREE virtual Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training! QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based certification training that will teach you the skills to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect people to professional help when they may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Expert trainers will guide you through practical scenarios and provide valuable insights. Read more about QPR here.

Upcoming trainings:
October 16th, 11:30 AM
November 20th, 11:30 AM
December 18th, 11:30 AM

Diversity, Inclusion, Outreach (DIO); Guest Speaker

The Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach (DIO) PTA subcommittee is excited to host distinguished speaker, Ash Brandin, EdS. Ash, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family.

Like it or not, we are raising kids in the digital age. Between technology in school and the appeal of gaming and screens, screen ubiquity leads caregivers to wonder: How much screen time is too much? Which games are beneficial, and which are potentially harmful? Is it true that gaming will lead to violent behavior? How can we raise kids to have a healthy relationship with screens and their other responsibilities? In this session, we'll answer all those questions and more, including how to implement and enforce a healthy balance without martyring yourself as a caregiver and how to set your child up for success as they move toward adulthood.

RSVP: https://forms.gle/cqFDvkWvBZmHmj139

Date: Thursday, November 6th
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: School Gym

About Ash Brandin

Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, Ash helps caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries founded in respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques. Ash has appeared on podcasts including Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR. Their bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family" debuted in August 2025. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.